Oscar is one of two thousand graduates of the school, established in 1990 to honor Herbert Ryman, a Disney illustrator, creator of the first overall illustration of Disneyland, and mentor to many young artists.
Diane Brigham, Ryman’s executive director, explains that the school seeks out talented high schoolers from all over Southern California, some with no school art classes. Admitted on the basis of talent and motivation, many take three, free twelve-week college-level courses in the fundamentals of drawing and painting held at the University of Southern California. Brigham explains that the school works with graduates, helping them create portfolios, meet with guest artists, apply to college and carve out career paths in the visual arts. –Liz Goldner
